Faithbooking Inspirations

A Gift ~ Through Eternal Glasses

For months my son had bugged reminded me what he wanted for his birthday....Guitar Hero III~ It was a daily, and sometimes hourly, discussion.

He even talked me into this shirt that said "My Mom Rocks" ~ I think that was a little sweet talking going on, even through a shirt :~)

How could I begin to dream of giving him anything else. 

So, of course, there was a Wii Guitar Hero III for a certain 12 year old's birthday.

Then, we saw what was on the screen......

In short ~ one of the levels in Guitar Hero III is called "Battle for Your Soul" and, it has songs such as "The Number of the Beast" and "Raining Blood".  Images of Satan were sprinkled all over the game ~ at one point the player even battles Satan in order to advance to the next level.

As I watched this play out in my living room, all I could think was "Christ died a horrible death so we would never have to see Satan, and now, we are playing with him."

My heart was torn ~ how could I think of returning this game.....Yet how could I not?

I thank the Lord for a child who had a heart tender enough to hear his parents' concerns and be willing to return his game ~ Praise God for our children and how the He can speak to their hearts. 

Now a PS2 Guitar Hero 'Rock the Eighties' sits by our TV ~ it may not be the newest and greatest out there, but, Satan has been put back in his place ~ out of my home.

That gift incident has made me think a lot about the gifts we give and the love / thought / impact / stories behind them.  There is so much more that can be added to our pages with pictures of gift exchanges:

• Why was the gift requested / given / chosen / perfect for the receiver or from the giver?
• Is there any eternal significance / statement / story that can give you the opportunity to point towards Christ on that page?
• Was there a sacrifice made to make the gift possible?  Include the appreciation of God's work to allow the gift
• As you or your loved one use and enjoy the gift, is there something that can be included about Christ or your prayers for your future generations
• How can the gift be used for good / potential eternal purpose?  Include a prayer revolving around the gift and its potential

Wow, think about the difference we can make with a few added words.  The next time you make a gift giving / receiving page ~ look at the pictures through "Eternal Impact Glasses".

**And, if you are a parent whose child plays Guitar Hero III, any video game for that matter, just take an hour or so to look at it ~ make sure you are comfortable with the images and the message that your child is seeing.  And, please know, that I hope not to offend anyone in any way.  I realize there will be some 'world' in these video games, as parents we just have to decide how much 'world' the Lord would want us to allow in our home.

A Scrapbooker's Christmas List

It's Christmas ~ and, us Scrapbookers have a list too :~) 

So, I thought I'd send Scrapbookers Bubble Bath's annual Scrapbookers Christmas List of Links and gift ideas for you to pass on to YOUR Santa.

Of course, the most exciting for me personally is the Unto All Generations Series ~ Available December 7th in all 3 formats: as a download, auto-run CD, and printed.  The CDs are very economical and make great gifts to wrap up for your favorite Scrapbooker.

Also, don't forget that Christian FaithScrappers will be open any day ~ ready for you to shop for Christian Scrapbooking Supplies as gifts to put under the tree ~ perhaps pick up even a few for yourself :~)

Here is a list of some great prices on Scrapping Products ~ You're sure to find something for your list here ~ at a great price!  :~)  (Of course there is no way this list can be all inclusive, and, I know there are lots of sites I am missing, so, if you have any other you'd like to share, please just click down to the comments, and, add your favorite place to shop.)

• Memory Miser ~ great place for die-cutting supplies
• Frugalities ~ kinda fun place ~ different discounts daily up to 49%!!
• Scrapbook Corner ~ great selection and good prices
• Custom Crops ~ I like her prices and colors :~)

The Scrapsack is a nifty little bag and helpful for those who travel and scrap.

If you don't have the Cricut by ProvoCraft ~ it is a must have! I just love mine, and, wish I had more time to play with it :~) I have seen that even some Wal-Marts are selling them for $118 with a limited edition cartridge!

And now, ProvoCraft keeps dipping into our pockets: tempting us with cooler and better products.....

First, the Cricut Design Studio ~ this program allows you to hook your cricut to the computer and play even more ~ amazing, and, with ENDLESS possibilities!

Of course, the list of over 40 cartridges is too endless to mention, but, if you have a Princess lover, there are 2 new Disney Princess cartridges, as well as awesome font cartridges for fall and winter.  I've heard that AC Moore and even Wal-Mart are carrying these, so, shop around for the good sales.

There are now Colored Markers available to use with your Cricut instead of the cutting blade ~ the machine will draw a colored line where it would have made a cut!

And, finally, and, biggest of all, there is now The Expression which can cut up to 23.5 inch letters as well as do some completely cool tricks!  Can we say Scrapbooker's Gluttony?   Well, perhaps you can justify it by making a few BIG Happy Birthday and Anniversary signs for your husband :~) 

Here are some of the best prices I've heard and seen to find the Cricut products on your list: 

• Hallmark Scrapbook ~ I think the Cricut product prices are one of the best you will find ~ The Expression is only $299 here! I also have read good things about their customer service on message boards.
• Wal-Mart ~ If you are lucky enough to find them, some of their cartridges are at $30!
• BargainPack ~ Through December their Design Studio looks like it is the cheapest at $59!!
• Creative Express ~ they have cartridges on sale: buy 4 get each for $27
• AC Moore ~ I have read that they are selling The Expression for $299 to $379, AND, it comes with 4 cartridges, a set of markers and a mat!!!  If you have one near you, keep your eyes open for that SUPER sale.  If you DO have one near you, I'm jealous :~)
• E-Bay ~ If you do not have the personal Cricut, there are some Cricut addicts that bought the Wal-Mart exclusive package, took out the special cartridge, and, now need to sell the new machine on E-bay before their husbands find out :~)  You can get a great deal there ~ just do it in the next week or so before they sell all their stashes.

That's all the deal sharing I have for you this year ~ next year I will be typing my Scrapbooker's Christmas List of Links in warmer weather :~)

**** PS ~ For Faithbooking Inspirations subscribers ~ for some reason, the last post, (Our Scrapbooks ~ Our Love Letters) didn't go out to my email box ~ if you didn't receive it either, here is the link.  It is an important reminder of why we scrapbook and have these Christmas Lists :~)

Cherished Memories Jewelry

I'm just passing on an awesome Christmas gift idea :~)

My neighbor owns Cherished Memories Jewelry, and, has created beautiful pieces ~ many I have on my "To Get List".

The necklaces and bracelets are one of a kind since they are made with pictures of your loved ones.  And, I promise you, the quality is amazing ~ I feel so rich when I wear mine!!  :~)  I plan on getting one of every color eventually!

She snuck around, took pictures of my kids, and made Pretty Purple for my 40th birthday ~ sometimes I wear purple just so I can wear my bracelet ~ and, of course, I have the Sugar and Spice ordered to match Scrapbookers Bubble Bath!

Her newest piece is the Forever Faithful ~ a wonderful opportunity to share your faith as well as your legacy of family and love.

These pieces are perfect ways to take our "scrapbook subjects" with us ~

So, stop over, shop around, and, get a few for Christmas gifts and, of course, a few for you!  :~)

Let Us ADORE Him

As I took this picture, thoughts were running through my mind to share on Held By Him, and, lots of page ideas were running through my mind for Faithbooking Inspirations. Since there are many who subscribe to both, I will spare you by not repeating the Held By Him thoughts here :)

As Christmas rapidly approaches, many of our cameras will be at full throttle, trying to capture the precious memories of this beautiful life the Lord has blessed us with.  And, hopefully in a couple of months, the pages will be completed to record the stories for future generations. 

As the season flys by, be sure to take pictures of what Christmas means to you.  Whether it be a special decoration, a favorite recipe, or a treasured tradition, take pictures of more than just opening the gifts.  The possibilities are individual and endless, but, here is just a few quickies for a 'Nativity picture' to get your gears turning and maybe seeing Christmas through a different lens.

• What does that particular Nativity mean to you? Who bought / gave it to you?  Why is it your favorite such as colors, expressions, size? 
• What are your thoughts as you look at or set up the Nativity?
• How has the Baby in the Manger touched your life? 
• What are your traditions for the Nativity (the order you place the pieces, who sets it out, where does it go?)
• Sometimes the picture really needs only a title ~ Use a thought, favorite saying, or a phrase from a carol ~ I plan on using "Let Us ADORE Him" for this one
• Blow up a picture of Nativity and use it as a front page in a Christmas album or a page in your own Journey to a Legacy Album.
• Use a verse:

1. For a child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, MIghty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace ~ Isaiah 9:6 
2. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save His people from thier sins ~ Matthew 1:21
3. For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son... ~ John 3:16

Get the camera working, don't forget to use your Journey Jots , and, be sure to spend a few moments at the Manger ~ it is tiny, yet mighty!

A Favorite Christmas Picture

I know, I know, I said I wouldn't post  until after the new year ~ I just can't help myself from putting this page idea up.  It has been running around my mind, so I thought I would clear it out to make room for other stuff ~ like where in the world I placed those New Years Eve hats! 

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  I know I thought of you all throughout the holiday.

I downloaded my pictures Christmas evening and found some that were soooo precious they brought tears to my eyes.  Some brought tears of pure joy, some brought tears of laughter, some brought tears of pride, and, some brought tears of Christmas' past.  I have a couple that, for various reasons, will forever be my absolute favorites from the day.  How about you?  Do you have a picture that truly says 1000 words?  Do you have one that will be a treasure because it is of one you completely cherish?

So, here is my thought.....now, while the feelings are fresh, and the moment is so alive in your mind, do some quick journaling.  Sit down at the computer and type out what you would like to journal about that picture, save it, then when you are ready to do a page, all you have to do is copy the words on your page, or change the font and formatting, and, there, you have those words preserved.  Or, grab some notecards and write what you would like to remember / say about the day or particular pictures.  Or, if you want to be really ahead, cut some photo safe lined paper in squares and journal, then you can place the cards directly on the page.

I know I have a couple of pictures that may have earned themselves the "gotta enlarge and have their own page" reward.  How about you?  Write those words down tonight.

OK, I will try really hard not to post until after the New Year.  Have a blessed and safe New Year and be ready for great things in 2006!

Mommy, where is Frosty's cookies?

As I hung the ornaments on our Christmas tree this year, my 5 year old asked me lots of questions about every single one of them.  “Was this when you were a little girl?”, “Did you and Daddy get this for your marriage?”, “How come Santa’s feet are missing?”, “Mommy, where is Frosty’s cookies?”.

And, as I hung up the treasured quilt from my mom and set out the Nativity my son made when he was 4, such wonderful memories poured in.  I found myself thinking of precious moments, loved ones who are no longer with me, and how much the Lord has blessed me beyond what I could ever deserve.

You know, I took pictures of all of those ornaments 3 years ago with wonderful intentions of making a Christmas book with the stories and pictures of  each ornament—but, like so many other things, I just could not get to it.  BUT, after this past year and it’s moments, and hearing my daughter’s desire to ‘hear the story’ I realize that book is a priority.  And, it must be more than just the ornaments ~ there are so many decorations that have a story just waiting to be told. 

So, that is my challenge to you  and desire for you ~ to record your Christmas Decorations Legacy.  I have included below some ideas, journaling questions and suggestions to help get you started.  I know I have started working on mine. Our decorations help us celebrate the birth of our Savior ~ leave your legacy  through the story of these treasured possessions you have gathered over the years!

· Choose a special album that will be designated for your decorations.  You then can add new entries through the years.

· While your decorations are out, walk through your home and take pictures.  Write some brief notes to yourself as you look at the treasure.  OR, you also can cut some journaling boxes from lined paper, then when the pictures are developed, you only have to add a few embellishments and, ta-dah, your page is done! 

· Record who gave you the decoration, why is it special, or any treasured memories or emotions that may come as you look at the decoration.

· Do you have a special place for the decoration?

· Let your children help make the pages for their ornaments.  They can write what the ornament means to them and why they like it  while you record your own words. 

· Don’t forget the nativity scenes, the stockings, and the Christmas music!

· Remember,  your loved ones want to know the story of your journey, and that includes your Christmas decorations!

Excerpt taken from SBB Page Inspirations Newletter ~ Sign up to receive it by email!

PS - Frosty's cookies are missing because we bought the ornament for my son when he was completely mesmerized by Frosty and loved to help me in the kitchen, especially when I baked cookies.  He carried this ornament with him everywhere:  bed, church, and even the bathroom.  Well, the cookies fell off (devastating moment for a 3 year old) and now Frosty carries an empty tray except for one lone star cookie. :)

Christmas is coming!

  Yikes!  Our local Christian radio station just made an announcement at 7:20 AM November 14th! - All Christmas music from now through Christmas...does that mean that Christmas is coming?  I thought I still had some time to figure out what in the world we were going to make for gifts and how I was going to design my Christmas cards and where I was going to put my Christmas tree and exactly how many lights we have to put up to still look festive yet not be taking lights down in March and ...... You probably get the point, and, may have just begun your own panic!

As Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree is playing in the background I have to sadly laugh at my thoughts that were immediately drawn to my to do list and not the fun of the season and the joy my family can experience during this time of year.  Whether I make fancy cards with lots of embossing (that will be thrown out once received anyway), and whether I decorate the tree like a Nordstroms or a Charlie Brown tree, and whether we put 100s of lights or 1000s of lights, Christmas is coming, and Christ is born.  How much stress I choose to put on myself and my family is my choice and my choice alone.

So, as I listen to Feliz Navidad and my 7 year old dances around the room in a way that I know my Parylite collector angels will get broken :)  I have made a choice.  This will not be like so many other Christmas seasons of past - a time of stress, crabbiness, rush and panic.  I pray I can strive to make this Christmas one of joy, laughter, love, cherished moments, lots of pictures, only a few 100 lights :) and, eternally most important, one of Christ.

And, as I hope you can focus on your family and Christ this year, here are some pictures to take and things to write down to keep and record in your albums..

• Each members favorite Christmas song and why - won't the kids' answers be precious!
• Gift shopping and making presents - arms full of bags and fingers full of glue are cherished moments!
• A picture of your Christmas tree - include special ornaments - I am making an album with a picture of each special ornament and the story behind it
• A picture of your family in the snow or by the local downtown Chritmas lights - where someone else has put up 1000s lights :)
• Read THE Christmas story and / or the other wonderful Christmas stories that are available
• Be sure to have each member write down their Christmas lists - copy them or put original in your album - I love these from years past
• Save your family's Christmas card
• Reciepts from shoppping :) - 20 years from now we will all be amazed at how inexpensive everything was
• A picture of your family's nativity - enlarge it and record what Christ's birth means to each member
• A picture of your house at Christmas, with (hopefully only a few 100) lights

Did that get you thinking?  Anyone have any other ideas?  There are so many ways to celebrate Christmas through our albums - keep your eye open for special moments and memories this season.

Well, gotta run, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Lots of laundry call - Merry CHRISTmas and give yourself the gift of enjoying the season this year!